When child support payments stop, everything changes. Groceries, school supplies, medical bills—all the things you count on to keep your children’s lives stable—suddenly become a financial scramble. And while the frustration is real, so is your power. Texas law has strong tools for enforcing child support orders, but using them correctly requires timing, evidence, and strategy. Here is what really happens when your ex stops paying—and what you can do about it.
1. The Legal Obligation Never Disappears
In Texas, a child support order is not a suggestion. It is a binding court order, enforceable until it is modified or the child ages out (usually at eighteen or high school graduation). If your ex decides to “take a break” from paying, that does not pause their legal duty. Missed payments continue to accrue—with interest—until paid in full.
Even if your ex loses a job, that does not erase the debt. They must file a modification through the court to reduce or suspend payments. Simply stopping payments is contempt of court, and the judge can—and often will—impose serious consequences.
2. Document Everything, Immediately
Before you act, gather proof. Judges and enforcement agencies rely on hard numbers, not emotions. Keep a detailed payment record showing:
- Dates and amounts of missed payments.
- Any partial payments received.
- Communication attempts about the issue.
- Bank statements, Venmo records, or wage stubs if available.
Do not assume the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is tracking it perfectly. They can make mistakes. Maintain your own records, because in enforcement, precision wins.
3. Do Not Retaliate—It Will Backfire
When support stops, some parents retaliate by denying visitation. Do not. That is one of the fastest ways to lose credibility in front of a judge. Texas law separates support from possession. Your ex’s failure to pay does not cancel their right to see the child. Judges despise parents who weaponize visitation.
Handle it through the law, not personal justice. It is not just the right approach—it is the strategic one.
4. Enforcement Tools That Get Results
If your ex will not pay voluntarily, you have options. Texas law offers several strong enforcement mechanisms:
- Wage withholding: The most common and effective tool. The court can order an employer to automatically deduct payments from paychecks.
- License suspension: The state can suspend driver’s licenses, professional licenses, and even hunting or fishing licenses until payment resumes.
- Tax refund interception: Arrears can trigger the seizure of state and federal tax refunds.
- Bank levies and liens: The state can place liens on property, bank accounts, and retirement funds.
- Contempt of court: Persistent nonpayment can lead to fines or even jail time.
Each option comes with its own process and requirements. A seasoned family law attorney can decide which combination will get the fastest, most effective result.
5. The Role of the Attorney General
The Texas Office of the Attorney General handles thousands of child support cases. They can enforce orders, intercept wages, and calculate arrears. But they move slowly because of their massive caseload. If you need swift action or custom strategy, relying solely on the OAG is like waiting for a glacier to move.
Hiring a private attorney allows you to take immediate control of your case. You are no longer in a bureaucratic line—you are driving the process yourself, with tailored strategy and direct court access.
6. Interest and Penalties Add Up Fast
Texas adds interest to unpaid support at six percent per year. That means every missed payment grows more expensive the longer your ex ignores it. The court can also order them to pay your attorney’s fees once you win enforcement. In short, delay only benefits the nonpayer. The sooner you act, the stronger your position.
7. What If They Claim “I Can’t Afford It”?
That excuse does not hold water unless they file a formal modification. Judges expect people to prioritize child support before personal luxuries. If your ex is unemployed or underemployed by choice, the court can impute income—assigning a payment amount based on what they should be earning, not what they claim to make.
An experienced attorney knows how to gather financial evidence, expose hidden income, and show when a “broke” parent is actually choosing not to pay.
8. Enforcement Is About Accountability—Not Revenge
It is easy to let frustration turn into fury, but enforcement is not about vengeance. It is about stability for your children. Getting paid what the court ordered is not greed—it is justice. Your children deserve consistent support, and you deserve peace of mind knowing their needs will be met.
A good attorney will keep the focus where it belongs: results. They will pursue enforcement firmly and efficiently, without unnecessary drama.
9. Why Waiting Hurts Your Case
Time is your enemy in enforcement. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to collect. Records fade, jobs change, and arrears multiply. Acting quickly shows the court you take the order seriously and sets a tone of accountability early.
Delaying action sends the opposite message—to the court and to your ex. Every day they get away with ignoring the order reinforces their belief that they can keep doing it.
Your Next Move
If your ex has stopped paying child support, stop waiting. Every missed payment is money your child deserves—and the law is on your side. Call Anderson Legal Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a board-certified family law attorney. We will explain your enforcement options, calculate arrears with precision, and get the process moving fast.
You do not have to chase your ex—we will make the law do it for you. Your child’s future is too important to fund with broken promises. Let us help you turn that order into action today.